Final answer:
Zheng He's voyages from 1405 to 1433 are acclaimed for their unprecedented scale and technological superiority, forging international trade and diplomacy, and facilitating cultural exchanges. The immense treasure ships and the extensive reach of these missions are testament to the advanced Chinese maritime capability and offer evidence of China's historical maritime prowess that predates Western exploration. The expeditions ended likely due to changing political attitudes and internal focus within the Ming Dynasty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zheng He's voyages from 1405 to 1433 can be argued to deserve acclaim for several reasons. Firstly, the sheer scale of these expeditions was unprecedented, with the first voyage comprising 317 ships and approximately 28,000 men. Zheng He's treasure ships, possibly measuring 400 feet in length, were built to demonstrate Chinese power and superiority compared to European ships like Columbus' Santa Maria which was only 85 feet long. Additionally, these voyages reached as far as Africa and the Middle East, far outstripping the maritime capabilities of contemporary European nations.
These expeditions also represented a significant technological and logistic achievement, showing the superiority of Chinese naval technology at the time. The voyages led to the expansion of the tributary system and the acquisition of invaluable information about distant lands, cultures, and rare items. Goods such as ivory, and animals, such as zebras and ostriches, were brought back to China, demonstrating the voyages' success in international trade and diplomacy.
Finally, these voyages were a cultural exchange, revealing the openness of the Ming Dynasty to foreign cultures. Zheng He brought back to China an Arab book on medical remedies and other treasures, which highlighted the knowledge-sharing aspect of these missions. The grandeur and impact of Zheng He's expeditions have challenged the traditional belief that Western nations were the first to establish maritime power, offering a new appreciation for the historical accomplishments of China during this period.
Reasons for the End of Zheng He's Voyages
Regarding the ending of Zheng He's voyages, it can be speculated that factors such as the lack of necessity for overseas colonies due to ample territory in China, a self-sustaining market for Chinese goods, and a lack of imperial interest in religious evangelization like that undertaken by Western powers contributed to the decision to cease the expeditions. The Ming Empire's attitude toward international trade and its eventual turn towards anti-commercialism and xenophobia also played a role in the cessation of these impressive naval undertakings.